Purdy: The O2 Arena–Sorry, the North Greenwich Arena–Disappoints

I’m at the women’s gymnastics finals today. I was looking forward to it, just for my first chance to see the O2 Arena (renamed the “North Greenwich Arena” because of Olympic sponsorship rules). It’s the biggest arena in London and has become famous worldwide since its opening in 2007. It’s become the No. 1 concert venue in the world (in terms of events) and most famously hosting the one-off Led Zeppelin reunion show five years ago.

And frankly, it’s a disappointment. Both HP Pavilion and Oracle Arena are superior places. The grounds outside O2 are spartan. The arena bowl, which can hold as many as 20,000 people, is fine enough but not eye-popping. It’s similar to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which is also owned by AEG, there are two rows of luxury suites between the lower and upper seats–which are way, way up there.

But the concourses are blah. I expected touches of style, a little woodwork or marble or . . . something classy. The men’s restrooms don’t even have individual urinals, just a wall-long metal trough. I mean, I’m no restroom freak, but if you’re trying to be the world’s best at something, shouldn’t you try to dress yourself up a bit?

On the other hand, I can positively say that I was able to eat the best concession stand food I’ve had at these Games. I ordered the fish and chips with a soft drink for about $14 American (nothing is cheap here) and enjoyed every greasy bite. Outstanding.

But if Led Zeppelin makes another comeback appearance, I vote for someplace in the States.